Sodium nitroprusside
Sodium Nitroprusside
Sodium nitroprusside (pronunciation: SO-dee-um NYE-troe-PRUSS-ide) is a potent vasodilator used primarily in the treatment of acute hypertension and congestive heart failure.
Etymology
The term 'sodium nitroprusside' is derived from its chemical composition. 'Sodium' refers to the sodium ions present in the compound, 'nitro' refers to the nitro group (NO2) and 'prusside' is derived from Prussian blue, a common term for certain complex iron cyanides, indicating the presence of cyanide ions in the compound.
Usage
Sodium nitroprusside is used in medical settings to quickly reduce blood pressure in cases of hypertensive emergencies. It is also used to improve symptoms in heart failure by reducing preload and afterload, thus decreasing the heart's workload.
Mechanism of Action
Sodium nitroprusside acts by releasing nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator, which increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in smooth muscle and other tissues. This leads to dephosphorylation of myosin light chains, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
Side Effects
Common side effects of sodium nitroprusside include hypotension, tachycardia, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, it can cause cyanide toxicity, especially in patients with renal impairment.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sodium nitroprusside
- Wikipedia's article - Sodium nitroprusside
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